Ryan Harris conjured a sizzling final over to snatch for Queensland a domestic limited overs final that Victoria seemed to have in their keeping after a night of many fluctuations on a lively MCG surface kept fresh by rain.

Needing five runs from 10 balls with three wickets in hand following a pair of sixes swung by Clint McKay, the Bushrangers lost Will Sheridan without addition but still needed only five from Harris' final over of the match. It was a task he had been saved for while the hosts took advantage of some wayward bowling by Cameron Gannon.

After a pair of singles, Harris whizzed down a lifter that McKay did well to edge and Chris Hartley better still to catch, leaping well off the ground to claim the chance. Next ball Fawad Ahmed pushed apprehensively at a delivery of immaculate line and length and Peter Forrest held another sharp chance at second slip, a cue for jubilant Bulls and disconsolate Bushrangers.

Under the astute yet uncomplicated helmsmanship of the coach Darren Lehmann and the captain James Hopes, the Bulls now hold both the Sheffield Shield and limited overs titles, while the Brisbane Heat carried off the Big Bash League in January. They have shown a knack for finding something extra in tight moments.

In a strong reminder that he will be a more than useful Ashes tourist should his fitness hold up, Harris made a lively start to the innings also, nipping out Aaron Finch while keeping the runs down. Along with James Hopes, Alister McDermott and Gannon, Harris ensured regular wickets always kept the Bulls in the match, until McKay's sixes had threatened to finish it.

Peter Handscomb and Cameron White came closest to establishing a match-winning stand, but the Bushrangers captain succumbed to one of several short balls that leapt threateningly across the evening - symptomatic of a contest in which no batsman passed 50.

Queensland had seemed unlikely winners when the match was stopped for rain after 20.1 overs in the afternoon, a scoreline of 4 for 69 relating how their batsmen struggled on a pitch offering movement and bounce to the seamers.

The delay reduced the match to 32 overs per side, and for some time after the resumption the Bulls did not look like setting any sort of total for Victoria to chase, slipping to 7 for 97 when Ahmed deceived Peter Forrest in the midst of another teasing spell of leg spin.

However Jason Floros summoned his cleanest hitting to capitalise on Victorian errors of length in the closing overs, crashing the first three balls of the final over, bowled by John Hastings, for six, four and six. In all 18 came from that final over, runs that would give Harris just enough room to seal a thrilling victory.

@malibu77 on (February 27, 2013, 13:14 GMT) and zenboomerang on (March 1, 2013, 7:34 GMT): D/L was used because Queensland's innings was interrupted after they had batted for 20.1 overs. If Queensland had lost fewer than 4 wickets at this point, there would have been an upward adjustment to Victoria's target. If Queensland had lost more than 4 wickets, there would have been a downward adjustment. It just works out that in this case, the adjustment was zero.

zenboomerang
on March 1, 2013, 7:35 GMT

An unbelievable match - more twists & turns than a corrupt politician... Really thought the Vic's had the match at the break but it really turned out to be a bowlers pitch & doubt either team would have made it to 50 overs... Qld holding all 3 titles at the same time is not what I dreamed of 2 mths ago - well done boys...

zenboomerang
on March 1, 2013, 7:34 GMT

@malibu77... Its pretty simple - the game was reduced to 32 overs each side - who scores the highest wins... "If" the 2nd innings was reduced because of rain, then D/L changes the run rate equation...

wellrounded87
on March 1, 2013, 3:00 GMT

And yet QLD remains one of if not the least represented state in the national squad across all 3 formats. So much for the Argus review

wellrounded87
on March 1, 2013, 2:58 GMT

@KPWij Siddle bowls with heart yes, but he doesn't take wickets and he offers to many loose balls. He's a handy bowler to have as a fill in for injured players, he is reliable and durable. However we need strike bowlers. Harris is a great strike bowler and he can hold a consistent line and length a lot better than Siddle to apply pressure on the Indian batsmen. His only problem is fitness, Harris is one of the few people in world cricket more injury prone than Shane Watson. But why wouldn't you want a guy averaging 21 in tests in your side if he's 100% fit?

Thefakebook
on February 28, 2013, 10:43 GMT

What a awesome final one best I seen in years,last year was no less awesome too.But hope The Queenslanders get the Hat Trick BBL and Ryobi cup in only the Shield to go.Best of Luck fellas.

whofriggincares
on February 28, 2013, 7:36 GMT

How short are peoples memories? Siddle has been bowling his heart out for the national team for a number of years now, and from experience I can tell you any captain would kill to have a bowler of his type in any side. @jagger I presume you are suggesting that they fly Siddle home and replace him with Harris. Harris is a fantastic grunt bowler but Indian conditions could end his career. He will definitely be in the mix for the upcoming ashes though. I think there might be alot of people who are more qualified to say if Siddle should be in the side or not.

KPWij
on February 28, 2013, 3:03 GMT

Fantastic game of cricket for a rain marred encounter! I am a NSW fan and did take a fair bit of enjoyment seeing the VICS lose another final though being dominant all year. However I did feel very sorry for the likes of Cameron White, Rob Quiney and David Hussey who have had to experience it countless times... In particular David Hussey who should rightly be in India helping the Aussie middle order out and providing a handy spin option, excellent fielder and EXPERIENCE which is what the team is craving for. He is also one of the better players of spin bowling which further astonishes me why he is not in the side. I guess the policy of not thinking about current series and looking to the future applies with this particular selection attitude. Regardless a fantastic one-day final for the domestic game!

Ozcricketwriter
on February 28, 2013, 2:36 GMT

If Harris is test ready, I'd fly him to India for the 2nd test, or 3rd test at worst. I had Bird in for the 2nd test but if Harris is ready, he is a much better bowler and would love to see him there as part of a 4 pronged pace attack, along with Johnson, Starc and Pattinson. What firepower that attack would have!

ReddiesFan
on February 28, 2013, 1:34 GMT

What a great game to finish off the Ryobi Cup but seriously, can't CA (or whoever schedules these games) try to elevate the game a little bit more and have the final scheduled for a Friday night / weekend instead of treating it like the poor cousin of the T20 series and dismissively scheduling it in the back waters of the working week?!

Pelham_Barton
on March 2, 2013, 7:15 GMT

@malibu77 on (February 27, 2013, 13:14 GMT) and zenboomerang on (March 1, 2013, 7:34 GMT): D/L was used because Queensland's innings was interrupted after they had batted for 20.1 overs. If Queensland had lost fewer than 4 wickets at this point, there would have been an upward adjustment to Victoria's target. If Queensland had lost more than 4 wickets, there would have been a downward adjustment. It just works out that in this case, the adjustment was zero.

zenboomerang
on March 1, 2013, 7:35 GMT

An unbelievable match - more twists & turns than a corrupt politician... Really thought the Vic's had the match at the break but it really turned out to be a bowlers pitch & doubt either team would have made it to 50 overs... Qld holding all 3 titles at the same time is not what I dreamed of 2 mths ago - well done boys...

zenboomerang
on March 1, 2013, 7:34 GMT

@malibu77... Its pretty simple - the game was reduced to 32 overs each side - who scores the highest wins... "If" the 2nd innings was reduced because of rain, then D/L changes the run rate equation...

wellrounded87
on March 1, 2013, 3:00 GMT

And yet QLD remains one of if not the least represented state in the national squad across all 3 formats. So much for the Argus review

wellrounded87
on March 1, 2013, 2:58 GMT

@KPWij Siddle bowls with heart yes, but he doesn't take wickets and he offers to many loose balls. He's a handy bowler to have as a fill in for injured players, he is reliable and durable. However we need strike bowlers. Harris is a great strike bowler and he can hold a consistent line and length a lot better than Siddle to apply pressure on the Indian batsmen. His only problem is fitness, Harris is one of the few people in world cricket more injury prone than Shane Watson. But why wouldn't you want a guy averaging 21 in tests in your side if he's 100% fit?

Thefakebook
on February 28, 2013, 10:43 GMT

What a awesome final one best I seen in years,last year was no less awesome too.But hope The Queenslanders get the Hat Trick BBL and Ryobi cup in only the Shield to go.Best of Luck fellas.

whofriggincares
on February 28, 2013, 7:36 GMT

How short are peoples memories? Siddle has been bowling his heart out for the national team for a number of years now, and from experience I can tell you any captain would kill to have a bowler of his type in any side. @jagger I presume you are suggesting that they fly Siddle home and replace him with Harris. Harris is a fantastic grunt bowler but Indian conditions could end his career. He will definitely be in the mix for the upcoming ashes though. I think there might be alot of people who are more qualified to say if Siddle should be in the side or not.

KPWij
on February 28, 2013, 3:03 GMT

Fantastic game of cricket for a rain marred encounter! I am a NSW fan and did take a fair bit of enjoyment seeing the VICS lose another final though being dominant all year. However I did feel very sorry for the likes of Cameron White, Rob Quiney and David Hussey who have had to experience it countless times... In particular David Hussey who should rightly be in India helping the Aussie middle order out and providing a handy spin option, excellent fielder and EXPERIENCE which is what the team is craving for. He is also one of the better players of spin bowling which further astonishes me why he is not in the side. I guess the policy of not thinking about current series and looking to the future applies with this particular selection attitude. Regardless a fantastic one-day final for the domestic game!

Ozcricketwriter
on February 28, 2013, 2:36 GMT

If Harris is test ready, I'd fly him to India for the 2nd test, or 3rd test at worst. I had Bird in for the 2nd test but if Harris is ready, he is a much better bowler and would love to see him there as part of a 4 pronged pace attack, along with Johnson, Starc and Pattinson. What firepower that attack would have!

ReddiesFan
on February 28, 2013, 1:34 GMT

What a great game to finish off the Ryobi Cup but seriously, can't CA (or whoever schedules these games) try to elevate the game a little bit more and have the final scheduled for a Friday night / weekend instead of treating it like the poor cousin of the T20 series and dismissively scheduling it in the back waters of the working week?!

Chris_P
on February 28, 2013, 0:15 GMT

Rhino is someone with all heart. What an inspiration he is to any team. Chuckles at Prince Joy, Qld heart? You mean the greatest Queenslanders born & bred there like Border, Greg Chappell & Thommo? Got it.

Meety
on February 27, 2013, 23:30 GMT

What a match, I saw a bit of QLDs innings & I thought they were goners at 8/100, even though the pitch meant no batsmen was comfortable.
No real surprises that Harris would be a dangerman on this type of pitch!
== == ==
@Prince Joy on (February 27, 2013, 18:06 GMT) - I agree that QLD does get overlooked way too much for International selections, but the NSW thing is a product of a very strong Sydney grade scene.

BG4cricket
on February 27, 2013, 23:11 GMT

Although greatly affected by the rain this was a terrific final and credit to the umpires for keeping the players out there to get a finish. Gee I hope Ryan Harris can stay fit and on the park for the rest of the year. An attack with him,Patto and one of Starc, Siddle or Bird would give the Poms plenty to think about

rienzied
on February 27, 2013, 21:20 GMT

Just a great game with it swaying back and forth in terms of control. Excellent advert for the 50 over format, even though it was reduced to 32 overs due to the rain.

katandthat3
on February 27, 2013, 20:47 GMT

What a game, bad luck Vics, they were the best side throughout the Ryobi but interesting to see how teams perform under pressure. As mentioned QLD have that knack for performing under tight situations. Boof helps keep them relaxed as well as up for these tight moments. Helmot is a good up and coming coach also. Great to see Ryan Harris back, we need him for the Ashes. Along with Bird (who hopefully recovers in time) I'd also hope we take Pattinson, Starc & Butterworth to the UK. Cummins would be great too but we might need to take it slower with him. We guys who move the ball in the UK and that attack would do the job.

Mervo
on February 27, 2013, 20:39 GMT

And how many Queenslanders get picked in the Test team? Would that be a big "0"? Was always hard for a player in the Qld team to get picked.

on February 27, 2013, 18:06 GMT

Oh it's a shame just like Zack (who might be one of the faceless men behind the Australian cricket team or in Clarke's closet) the Australian Cricket selectors wont look north. Going on past selections there should be a lot more Vic's in the Australian team in the near future as it would seem that a chock is better then a win (just ask W.A.). It's good to see Finch live up to his C.A. contract (NOT!!!) Now maybe if we had some QUEENSLAND steel in the team we wouldn't have folded like a pack of cards in Australia 20/20 & India. On N.S.W. players if you throw enough of them at the fan one is bound to stick every now & then but hey what the hell go Mo

blink182alex
on February 27, 2013, 16:35 GMT

Lets hope Ryano can stay fit for the Ashes, he is for me in the top 3 quick bowlers we have in the country and will go very well in english conditions. He won't be able to play all 5 tests but can play 3 at the most i would say, then you can bring in the likes of Starc or Johnson to join Bird, Siddle and Pattinson, we have the bowlers to take 20 wickets in England. We just need them to stay fit!

malibu77
on February 27, 2013, 13:14 GMT

Why wasnt the VIC target more than 146 + 1 given that it was a reduced overs game and so D/L should have come into play? Or was it and it is just coincidence that the revised target was 147?

Frank_Curry
on February 27, 2013, 13:10 GMT

Somebody care to tell me what happened between james Hopes and Joe Burns towards the end of the Vics innings? There also seemed to be comments between the two as Hopes handed out the medals.

Jagger
on February 27, 2013, 12:57 GMT

I know that this is a profane thing for a Victorian to say, but as a Victorian, no one is more qualified to say it. Peter Siddle, you are the weakest link.
Goodbye.

Junikamra
on February 27, 2013, 12:39 GMT

wow ryan harris wow.. he is back wth a bang aus need ths bwler very badly in ashes along wth pattinson nd starc these 3 will be deadly dagerous (if remain fit) for english batsman nd this time it will not be one sided ashes nd hope that aus do well nd win the ashes i know its to early to say but these bwlers are doing excellent so far so we can hope..

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Junikamra
on February 27, 2013, 12:39 GMT

wow ryan harris wow.. he is back wth a bang aus need ths bwler very badly in ashes along wth pattinson nd starc these 3 will be deadly dagerous (if remain fit) for english batsman nd this time it will not be one sided ashes nd hope that aus do well nd win the ashes i know its to early to say but these bwlers are doing excellent so far so we can hope..

Jagger
on February 27, 2013, 12:57 GMT

I know that this is a profane thing for a Victorian to say, but as a Victorian, no one is more qualified to say it. Peter Siddle, you are the weakest link.
Goodbye.

Frank_Curry
on February 27, 2013, 13:10 GMT

Somebody care to tell me what happened between james Hopes and Joe Burns towards the end of the Vics innings? There also seemed to be comments between the two as Hopes handed out the medals.

malibu77
on February 27, 2013, 13:14 GMT

Why wasnt the VIC target more than 146 + 1 given that it was a reduced overs game and so D/L should have come into play? Or was it and it is just coincidence that the revised target was 147?

blink182alex
on February 27, 2013, 16:35 GMT

Lets hope Ryano can stay fit for the Ashes, he is for me in the top 3 quick bowlers we have in the country and will go very well in english conditions. He won't be able to play all 5 tests but can play 3 at the most i would say, then you can bring in the likes of Starc or Johnson to join Bird, Siddle and Pattinson, we have the bowlers to take 20 wickets in England. We just need them to stay fit!

on February 27, 2013, 18:06 GMT

Oh it's a shame just like Zack (who might be one of the faceless men behind the Australian cricket team or in Clarke's closet) the Australian Cricket selectors wont look north. Going on past selections there should be a lot more Vic's in the Australian team in the near future as it would seem that a chock is better then a win (just ask W.A.). It's good to see Finch live up to his C.A. contract (NOT!!!) Now maybe if we had some QUEENSLAND steel in the team we wouldn't have folded like a pack of cards in Australia 20/20 & India. On N.S.W. players if you throw enough of them at the fan one is bound to stick every now & then but hey what the hell go Mo

Mervo
on February 27, 2013, 20:39 GMT

And how many Queenslanders get picked in the Test team? Would that be a big "0"? Was always hard for a player in the Qld team to get picked.

katandthat3
on February 27, 2013, 20:47 GMT

What a game, bad luck Vics, they were the best side throughout the Ryobi but interesting to see how teams perform under pressure. As mentioned QLD have that knack for performing under tight situations. Boof helps keep them relaxed as well as up for these tight moments. Helmot is a good up and coming coach also. Great to see Ryan Harris back, we need him for the Ashes. Along with Bird (who hopefully recovers in time) I'd also hope we take Pattinson, Starc & Butterworth to the UK. Cummins would be great too but we might need to take it slower with him. We guys who move the ball in the UK and that attack would do the job.

rienzied
on February 27, 2013, 21:20 GMT

Just a great game with it swaying back and forth in terms of control. Excellent advert for the 50 over format, even though it was reduced to 32 overs due to the rain.

BG4cricket
on February 27, 2013, 23:11 GMT

Although greatly affected by the rain this was a terrific final and credit to the umpires for keeping the players out there to get a finish. Gee I hope Ryan Harris can stay fit and on the park for the rest of the year. An attack with him,Patto and one of Starc, Siddle or Bird would give the Poms plenty to think about